Pruning tall verbena
Advice for October in the Netherlands
This tall verbena is Verbena bonariensis, not low bedding verbena. Preferably retain old stems and seedheads through winter, cutting them back in spring before vigorous new growth. Months are guidelines for the Netherlands and Belgium; also assess growth, flowering and the weather forecast.
Tall verbena — October
Check this first
Leave sound old stems standing until spring; in the meantime remove only clearly rotten or damaged material. Keep healthy leaves, flowers and living shoots. Make the main cut in spring, once new growth is recognisable and hard frost has passed.
Pay attention to this
- Do not automatically cut every stem short in autumn.
- Do not confuse living basal shoots with seedlings or dead wood.
- This schedule does not cover annual bedding verbena or every other Verbena species.
Frequently asked questions
- Why leave tall verbena standing in winter?
- Seedheads provide food for birds and may produce new seedlings. Old stems can be removed in spring.
- Is tall verbena always hardy?
- No. A cold, wet winter can kill plants. Repeatedly cutting lower will not solve failure to regrow.
- How can I limit seedlings?
- Remove faded heads before seed ripens. This also means retaining fewer winter seedheads.